Discard these unwanted pool items: 5 things you should declutter before summer's end
Decluttering Your Backyard Pool Before Summer's End
As summer winds down, it's time to prepare your backyard pool for the upcoming off-season. Professional organizers and pool experts recommend decluttering key pool-related items to maintain the longevity of your equipment and keep your backyard tidy.
Damaged Pool Inflatables
Deflated, torn, or heavily worn pool floats and inflatables should be discarded because they don’t hold up well in storage or the following season. Clean any you keep with vinegar to prevent mold and store them deflated in weatherproof containers.
Expired Pool Chemicals
Old or expired chlorine, algaecides, and other treatment chemicals should be safely disposed of to avoid hazards and maintain pool health. Liquid chlorine lasts about three to six months, clarifiers and enzymes last one year after opening, while algaecides (especially copper-based) can last for one to three years.
Expired or Outdated Test Kits
Pool water testing kits lose accuracy over time and should be replaced regularly to ensure proper chemical balance. Pool test kits do not last forever and should be replaced every 12 months or if labels fade. Consider upgrading to a digital smart tester for more accurate pool water testing.
Musty or Worn Towels
Towels that have mildew, stubborn odors, or show signs of wear should be washed thoroughly or replaced if necessary.
Tired or Broken Pool Tools
Pool nets, brushes, vacuums, and other maintenance tools that are broken, rusty, or ineffective should be fixed, replaced, or discarded. If they squeak, shed bristles, or have duct tape on them, they should be replaced.
Additional items to declutter include old or broken pool toys beyond repair, mismatched or worn flip-flops used poolside, and expired sunscreen and other summer personal care products that may have accumulated poolside.
Storing Your Pool Items
Store pool inflatables securely in a weatherproof deck box to keep them safe from pests and weather fatigue. Store pool chemicals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep pool chemicals out of the reach of children and pets for safety.
Disposing of Expired Chemicals
Expired pool chemicals can be hazardous if spilled or swallowed and should be disposed of safely. When working out what to do with the items you’re decluttering, consider avoiding creating unnecessary trash at home. Pinking shears, from Walmart, cut fabric in such a way as to avoid excessive fraying.
Donating and Reusing
Consider donating old, clean towels to pet shelters or cutting them up and reusing them as cleaning rags at home.
Winterizing Your Pool
It's time to start looking at winterizing a pool to prevent damage and make cleaning next spring easier. The Dolphin Nautilus Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner from Amazon promises wall-scrubbing capabilities for thorough cleaning on any pool surface.
By following these decluttering tips, you'll not only maintain a tidy backyard but also ensure your pool equipment lasts longer and is ready for the next summer. Happy decluttering!
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- To maintain a healthy lifestyle and promote home-and-garden wellness, properly dispose of expired pool chemicals such as chlorine, algaecides, and other treatment chemicals, as they can cause hazards and affect pool health.
- In the spirit of promoting science and fitness-and-exercise, consider upgrading to a digital smart tester for more accurate pool water testing, as pool water testing kits lose accuracy over time and should be replaced regularly to ensure proper chemical balance.
